# Dissociation of plasma oxyntomodulin levels from anthropometric measures and metabolic markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

## TL;DR

This study found that oxyntomodulin levels in women with PCOS are not linked to body weight or metabolic markers, despite its role in weight regulation.

## Contribution

The study reveals that plasma oxyntomodulin levels are not associated with anthropometric or metabolic variables in PCOS patients.

## Key findings

- OXM levels were positively correlated with age but not with BMI or waist circumference.
- OXM showed no significant link to insulin, testosterone, or irisin levels in PCOS patients.
- Metformin treatment for 60 days did not alter plasma OXM concentrations.

## Abstract

Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is a polypeptide hormone of the incretin family, which
binds to the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, contributing to a reduction
in caloric intake, an increase in energy expenditure, and weight loss in
obese individuals. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial
condition characterized by reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions, with a
high prevalence among overweight and obese women. This study aimed to
investigate the correlation between clinical, anthropometric, endocrine, and
metabolic variables and plasma OXM levels in women diagnosed with PCOS.

This cross-sectional study included 20 women recently diagnosed with PCOS.
Participants underwent screening that assessed body measurements, as well as
serum/plasma lipids, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, irisin, and total
testosterone levels. Plasma OXM concentrations were measured in duplicate
using a commercial ELISA kit.

OXM levels were positively correlated with age (r = 0.493, p = 0.027);
however, they showed no significant correlation with body mass index, waist
circumference, lipid accumulation product index, visceral adiposity index,
or hormones such as insulin, irisin, and testosterone. Furthermore, plasma
OXM levels remained unchanged in a subgroup of patients treated with
metformin for 60 days.

These findings suggest that plasma OXM levels may not reflect body
composition or insulin resistance in women with PCOS.